Thread is what holds it all together. That's why it's important to take care of your thread stash; so your thread will take care of you.
Thread Life
Did you know your thread has an expiration date? It does and I promise it isn't until the spool is empty like we might like. Thread is good for about 5 years. Of course, it's hard to know how long it sat in the warehouse or store. So how do you know if it's still good?
- Do a stress test. If it breaks easily with a tug, it's too old.
- Look at it. If it's fuzzy looking, it's too old.
There are several reasons to avoid old thread. For one it isn't as strong as new thread, the color fades over time and it's bad for your machine. As thread ages, it becomes lint and breaks down. Those fibers are then left behind in your machine causing your machine to become dirty. A dirty machine doesn't stich as well as a clean one and can cause skipped stitches and many other problems for your sewing.
Organizing Your Thread
I like having my thread where I can see it so I have thread racks mounted on my wall. I have the thread sorted by color so I can quickly grab the one I need.
Thread racks have rows of spool holders and can sit either on a flat surface or hang on a wall. Racks make it easy to see and access the thread. However, racks tend to collect dust and can lead to fading if the thread is located in direct sunlight or near bright task lighting.
Thread Boxes
These storage boxes have lids to keep the thread covered, and individual spool holders or small compartments to keep thread separated. Thread boxes are great for organizing, and clear plastic boxes make it very easy to find what you're looking for. The closed box keeps dust from settling on your threads and can be easily stored on a shelf.
Organizing Your Bobbins
For bobbin storage, I love the Bobbin Saver! I actually have several one for at home and two for when I teach at local schools. It's great to pull out my Bobbin Saver and know I'm not going to be dealing with a tangled mess or not having to wind them when I get there. Bobbin Savers are available on Amazon and at quilt and craft shops. Having a Bobbin Saver full of colored bobbins is a great way to save time.
Bobbin boxes are another option. Bobbin boxes keep your Bobbins organized in see thru poly boxes with a foam liner to fit your machine bobbins snugly and in full view at your fingertips.
Caring For Your Thread
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Light
Avoid placing your thread where it will get direct sunlight. The sunlight will fade the color of your thread and weaken the fibers of it.
Humidity
You want to make sure that you are not storing your thread in a damp room. If your sewing room tends to have a damp feel/high amount of humidity you probably should consider a dehumidifier to prolong the life of all your sewing equipment and supplies.
Temperature
I live in Texas so I can tell you it isn't always easy to control the temperature of your sewing room. When it comes to thread, fabric, and most sewing supplies store them where the temperature is stable. Avoid storing or hanging racks by windows or under air vents. For me, blackout fabric and solar screens have been a life saver!
If you need help choosing thread then be sure to read: Thread 101: How to Choose the Right Thread for Sewing.
Happy Sewing,
Margaret
Hi there
First of all must admit I`m surprised to learn threads have a life span, to me I always thought they are as good as long as they last.Having said that I think 5 years is a long enough time for any thread to be finished.I`m not so big in sewing so I never buy in bunches, I do try to have gray,white, black and brown threads, this seem to work for almost anything I need to repair.
Really informative and well written post, thanks so much for sharing.
awesome organization tips! I can only imagine how life saving this can be as having threads and needles everywhere can just be a headache
Hi Margaret 🙂 What a great post, I am not much of a sewer myself but if I was these tips I would most certainly take on board! I too, didn't know thread had a lifespan! Thanks for educating me and sharing this post 🙂
I learned how to sew when I studied fashion design, but it is just not my thing. I am the one who prefers sketching and doing patters, leave the sewing to the more talented ones.
You provided some great tips here. I really like the look of the thread racks, it looks like it would keep the thread where you can access it quickly.
It looks ideal indeed! so neat and comfy. having everything is a fine order is a great way to keep yourself motivated to do more!
I've been sewing since high school and didn't know that thread had an expiration date. I have thread from 10 years ago so I think I need to get new thread.
It has been so long since I have pulled out my sewing machine. Ive only sewn 1 project successfully and I was surprised that I pulled it off.
Now I only sew if I have too. 🙂
Some great tips here. My mother-inlaw is a talented seamstress and she used several of these suggestions.
Wow, I had no idea! I’m pretty sure my mom has thread that has been in her sewing box for at least 30 years 😄 Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
I SO wish that I could sew. I don't even know how to thread a machine. Ha! There is something so lovely about thread all gathered together - the textures and colors are so beautiful in their own way. 🙂
I like that! I'd definitely buy one for my threads. I'm still in the 101 phase even though I've made lots of stitches and stuff. I hope my threads are still good, gosh they're just kept in the closet.
Always wanted to learn to sew better, this just gives me more and more reason to continue to learn.
The threads in my house must be literally 30 years old, as I use them so rarely. I had no idea how much you should take care of them!
I need one of those thread racks! I always make a jumbled mess of my thread.
Oh wow! My threads are so messy! I would LOVE an organizer like this! This could literally put my mind at a little more ease! lol! Thank you for the tips and for sharing this awesome tool!
I really had no idea that thread had s shelf life...but it totally makes sense. I love all your organization ideas. I always feel less stressed when things are organized!
I never know what to do with my bobbins. That Bobbin Saver looks so neat - I can't wait to order one for me! Thanks for the ideas!
Totally gonna share this with my friend who sews!
I can't sew for my life but I do remember when I was younger my mom would always store hers in an aluminum cookie bin type of thing!
I am saving these tips for my grandma! She has thread all over the place 🙂 I also wonder if she knows that it has a life span.
Great tips on organizing your thread! I had no idea about thread life, but come to think of it, I've had older thread break on me when using it with my sewing machine. Thank you!
That’s amazing idea. I never heard we can do that and organize it. Thank you for sharing!
I use a old tin box that my mother used and it obviously working. Thanks for the tips.
Very helpful !!!!!!!